HR Manager

HR MANAGER

(FT - 35 hr/wk)

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Human Resources Manager to solely lead our HR department. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources practices and processes, ensuring compliance with employment labor laws, and fostering a positive workplace culture. This role requires a strategic thinker who can manage various HR functions including payroll, benefits, recruitment, training, employee relations, and performance management. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

Payroll Processing:

• Analyze, prepare, and input payroll info on a bi-weekly basis.

• Maintain current knowledge and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws.

• Create and distribute letters to staff for any changes made and assist employees with understanding of payroll procedures.

Benefits Administration:

• Assists in the selection and administration of employee benefits by meeting with vendors for plan selections and price negotiations.

• Manages various benefits offerings and related communications to employees regarding eligibility, enrollment, and administration, such as flexible spending, 403B, etc.

• Serves as point of contact for internal customers (i.e. employees) and external customers (i.e. vendors and brokers) with regard to all benefits, enrollments, and administration needs.

• Coordinate open enrollment with the various vendors to coordinate presentations and disseminate information on changes.

• Process monthly billing for all benefits in a timely manner by reviewing for accuracy and making changes/updates as necessary.

• Disseminate various federally required notices for the plans.

Training:

• Partners with external vendors to coordinate training sessions that meet the needs of the organization, at times including the development of training materials and facilitation of training sessions.

• Manages needs for various learning events including: scheduling, enrollment, and participation.  Work with presenters distributing materials, determining room needs, handling travel and meal details, acting as liaison with vendors and internal departments/partners, collecting and organizing feedback.

Employee Relations:

• Foster and maintain relationships with staff so they are comfortable speaking with HR.

• Acts a liaison for supervisors in matters of employee relations and assists them with disciplinary action if required. Refers issues to COO if needed.

Policies and Procedures:

• Assists with the creation, implementation, updating, and dissemination of personnel policies, practices, and procedures.

• Reviews, maintains, and updates the Employee Handbooks in a timely manner to ensure legal compliance, accuracy, and consistency with existing company policies, practices, and procedures.

Union:

• Maintain relations with union steward(s) and union rep by meeting on an as needed basis to discuss any concerns staff may be having.

• Is the primary contact for union stewards and participates and coordinates various union related committees. 

• Meet with union annually or as needed to interpret and negotiate the contract.

Data Management:

• Provides timely and accurate advice and information to employees regarding benefits and paid time off.

• Maintains and updates personnel records, both in physical and electronic form, to reflect changes in employee benefits or employment status (e.g. promotion, transfer, termination, decrease or increase of hours).

• Handles employee requests for personnel records.

Hiring, On-boarding and Off-boarding:

• Provides advice and support to supervisors in managing job descriptions, candidate experience, interviewing, and related processes.

• Assist in the recruitment for exempt, non-exempt, and contractors by placing ads, reviewing resumes, phone screen candidates, ensures a good candidate experience, checks references, and extends job offers.

• Ensure offer letters and new hire paperwork are prepared in a timely and accurate fashion; works to ensure all required documents are signed, returned, and complete prior to new hire starting.

• Prepares new hires for Day 1 on-boarding and conducts new hire orientation.

• Conducts exit interviews as requested; gathers and analyzes exit interview feedback and informs administration of any issue(s) that were mentioned.

• Serve as the contact person for COBRA administration.

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Supports evaluation process on an ongoing basis by ensuring managers and employees are aware of their obligations by creating, deploying, and managing materials throughout the evaluation process and revises as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.  Expand knowledge and understanding of existing and proposed laws that affect payroll and HR management.  Interpret laws and policies and advise management, employees, and retirees accordingly.

• Supports employee engagement initiatives such as creating and organizing employee wellness programs.

• Prepare and submit various reports related to ERISA, EEO compliance, or audits.

• Post various notices on the HR Boards located throughout the building.

• Keep the org chart updated.

• Attend various management meetings (leadership, union sub-committee meetings etc.).

• Maintain and process unemployment notices.

• Report, maintain, and monitor workers’ comp cases.

• Process and assist staff with FMLA, STD, or LTD procedures.

• Assist IT in maintaining various distribution lists.

• Assist the COO and CEO with special projects as needed.

• Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.

• Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all-inclusive organization. 

• Collaborate with External Relations as feasible/needed to support outreach, donor stewardship, and other fundraising activities.

• Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.

Additional Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written skills.

• Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.

• Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.

• Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.

• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.

• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Education & Experience Required: 

• High school diploma 

• At least 7 years of progressive HR experience.

• SHRM certification highly desirable

• ADP Workforce Now payroll system experience is highly preferred 

• Experience administering employee benefits, including health, welfare, and 403(b).

• Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets and other various Google applications experience required.

• Proficient using web based conferencing (ie. Google Meet, Zoom, etc).

This position is: Exempt and is not part of the Union 

Hours:  35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc. Work from home opportunities to be evaluated after 6 months of employment.

Salary Range: $65,000-$85,000/year with up to 5% negotiation flexibility. 

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.

COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED

Please submit a cover letter and resume by October 8, 2026 via this link.

Job Link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d9c524df-ce0d-44eb-b267-6f5b032ead29&ccId=19000101_000001&source=CC2&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter&jobId=570335

About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, recruiter phone screen (only if qualified after application review), 1-2 panel interviews (that may include a presentation or preparation) and reference checks (approximately a 2-5 week process). 

Posting Date: September 8, 2026 – open until filled with preference to those who submit before the October 8 application deadline.

Why Work at Providence Public Library?

At Providence Public Library (PPL), we believe libraries are more than buildings—they are welcoming community spaces that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Every member of our team plays an important role in helping Rhode Islanders engage, learn, and thrive.

When you join PPL, you'll become part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization that values innovation, equity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We encourage new ideas, support professional growth, and strive to create an inclusive workplace where employees feel empowered to make a meaningful impact.

What We Offer

• Flexible scheduling for many positions to support work-life balance, based on operational needs.

• A unique workplace in our beautifully restored historic library located in the heart of downtown Providence.

• Comprehensive benefits, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible

  • A 403(b) retirement plan with a 5.5% employer match and immediate vesting

  • Paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage

  • Generous paid time off and paid holidays

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Our Mission

Providence Public Library inspires Rhode Islanders to be lifelong learners by engaging their curiosity and offering access to extraordinary experiences, resources, and ideas.

Engage. Learn. Thrive.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Providence Public Library is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms and believe that varied experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We strive to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute, and thrive.

Providence Public Library is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.